The men’s fencing team from Yale University began its 2023 season in impressive fashion, achieving a clean sweep at the Vassar Open Invitational. The Bulldogs won all five of their matches, showcasing dominance and skill as they aim for a successful season ahead.
Yale’s first contest was against Drew University, which ended in a decisive 21-6 victory. The team followed this performance with another strong result, defeating Stevens College by the same score. Subsequent matches saw the Bulldogs overcome Lafayette College 19-8, and best Johns Hopkins University 18-9. They concluded the day with a commanding 19-8 win over Sacred Heart University.
Captain Jordan Silberzweig, a sophomore, expressed the team’s eagerness to compete after months of preparation. “After months of preparation and long morning practices, we came in hungry to compete at a high level,” Silberzweig said. He also noted the excitement surrounding the new first-year recruits, who are anticipated to contribute significantly to the team’s success.
Last season, the Bulldogs finished with a strong record of 18-7 and were undefeated at the Vassar Open. However, they faced challenges at the Ivy League Invitational, where they lost all four matches. In the NCAA Championships, the combined men’s and women’s teams placed 11th out of 33 teams. This year, the men’s squad brings back three NCAA Championship qualifiers: Tony Whelan, Silberzweig, and Castor Kao, who is currently ranked sixth in foil competition nationally.
The intensity of last year’s training is something Silberzweig aims to build upon this season. He emphasized the importance of teamwork, noting, “I appreciated how focused we were not only in terms of fencing, but also hyping up and coaching our teammates when our coaches were away supporting the women’s team with their competition.”
The women’s fencing team also had a stellar performance at the Vassar Open. They achieved a record of six wins and one loss, defeating teams such as Yeshiva University and Lafayette College with scores of 21-0 and 20-1, respectively. The team also triumphed over Tufts University 18-9 and both Wagner College and Wellesley College 19-8, but narrowly lost to Cornell University 14-13. Their final match resulted in a 16-11 victory against Brown University.
Women’s captain Amanda O’Donnell noted the solid start to the season, stating, “The past meet went well. We beat six teams, including Brown, which set a really good tone for the rest of the season.” O’Donnell is optimistic about the upcoming Ivy League Championships, anticipating a stronger showing with two additional starters returning to the lineup.
Both teams are set to continue their campaigns, with the next event being the Tri-State Shark Showcase in Brooklyn on November 23, 2023. The Bulldogs are eager to maintain their momentum and build on the successes of the past weekend as they strive for excellence in the season ahead.
